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Rick_a
Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - 06:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

As service parts came in for it...the Suzuki DR650SE expired with a top end failure at 52,000 miles.
20191204_161636 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

I ended up purchasing the only reasonably priced Honda Fit in the area, and one of the only manual transmissions in the country, apparently. It's a 2nd Gen, 2010 Silver Storm Metallic base model with almost 69K on the clock. It has some underbody corrosion from being a northern car, a few dings, a bad blower motor, and a leaky tire. The dealer graciously overfilled the oil and coolant.
20191209_073220 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

The ex and I had a first gen as a first new car. I had fond memories of it, though I drove it all of twice. I really haven't done much driving if at all for the past eighteen years.

It's a practical, sporty handling car. The 2nd Gen has a little more power than the first (though still nothing impressive), and a stiffer chassis with a more compliant suspension (people complained of the stiffness of the previous generation...only to overcompensate by going soft in the suspension and numb in the steering for the 3rd Gen...finally addressed in 2018).

Overall, I was only shocked at paying 10X what I paid in motorcycle insurance payments for a cheap car. What a racket.

The girlfriend drives a first gen Scion XB that I thought was a cute car. I think mine's cuter.
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Two_seasons
Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - 07:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

re: the Suzuki, exhaust may have been running lean, based on look of exhaust header.

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Pwnzor
Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - 07:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'll sell you a tenderly loved 2006 Kawasaki Z1000 with some special modifications, such as a leaky fork seal and mild rash on the left crank case and fuel tank.

Add to that a Corbin rider and passenger seat, PCIII and Lazer Extreme exhaust, with appropriate fuel map. Custom "sport" bars (they say SPORT right on them) and new-ish Michelins, brakes, CRG mirrors and a carbon flyscreen from a Buell X1. Fresh Motul oil and some special kind of coolant that cost a lot of money but I can't remember the name. Somewhere around 25k on the clock.

It makes very short work of mountain roads and will demand almost zero maintenance from you.

Oh, and it has a custom Red Bull starter.

Come pick it up and send me $100 a month for 30 months.

I need to make room to work on my KLR and get my Spyder in the garage.
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Pwnzor
Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - 07:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Oh, and it has a new chain and sprockets with maybe 1000 miles on them.
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Tootal
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 10:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It seems to be able to stay ahead of a Buell Ulysses, although, that might just be the loose nut behind the handlebars!
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Rick_a
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 11:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

re: the Suzuki, exhaust may have been running lean, based on look of exhaust header.



That is...corrosion. The dark part is where there's existing powder coating. The rest has been blasted off and is corroding nicely. I've been tempted to polish it out. Maybe one of these years.

It had a broken cylinder head cover and leaky shifter shaft seal (which really requires that case cover to be replaced). It never leaked much. I was keeping a close eye on oil levels and I'd have to top it off slightly every couple weeks...then it started making a ticking noise...then the top end seized and blew oil everywhere after the cam seal got fried. The cam rides directly on the cylinder head/cover. No bearing to speak of other than the machined surfaces.

I now have a 52,000 mile Suzuki with a blown top end and a 60,000 mile Buell with a blown bottom end...both with cam failures. What's the chance of that?

If I get another bike I'm selling these first for a massive loss. I have so much invested that selling them would be...stupid.

The car is getting 25.5 mpg through twisty mountain roads. Compared to the 48 mpg of the Suzuki that is disappointing. At least I won't be replacing a $300 set of tires every 4500 miles.

The girlfriend is happy that I'm not riding through the winter, while I'm miserable for not riding at all.

One thing that hasn't changed is being cut off by larger vehicles. People have some nerve
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Rick_a
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 11:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

It seems to be able to stay ahead of a Buell Ulysses, although, that might just be the loose nut behind the handlebars!



That tends to be factor #1

My blower motor gets noisy on hard right hand turns. The fan has to be shut off then on again. It's worse at higher speeds, but I usually keep it at the lowest two settings. I found an Amazon warehouse special (destroyed packaging) for $35. Done.
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86129squids
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 12:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Well, if having no motorcycle to ride gets boring, try a few reverse donuts! Ideally with the GF riding shotgun.

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Natexlh1000
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 01:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

So is the DR650 totaled? Even if the cases were popped, an engine could be bought from a junkyard?
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Akbuell
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 02:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Actually, that should buff out; just be sure to use $100 bills . . .

Sorry for your situation. Bad news to have things go bad like that. Dave :-(
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Ourdee
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 02:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Are you going to have the zuki running by spring?
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Rick_a
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 03:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

Well, if having no motorcycle to ride gets boring, try a few reverse donuts! Ideally with the GF riding shotgun.



No. I'm trying not to abuse this thing.

It's bad enough that I keep peeling out trying to accelerate from a stop like the bikes.


quote:

So is the DR650 totaled? Even if the cases were popped, an engine could be bought from a junkyard?



The bottom end is roller bearing and tends to survive when the top shreds. I'll likely need most of what's over the cylinders. I wanted to do a performance rebuild at some point, anyway. I'm just not getting my core charge back for those cams.

When I can it'll have a high compression piston, longer duration cam, and a new head/cylinder head cover that is in the very least cleaned up port wise. From similar failures I've seen, it'll need a new set of rocker arms.

I'd like to fix the Buell first. It's been broken for years now...but it needs a lot more work...cam, cam bushing, lifter, crankcase repair, oil pump, top end rebuild, fork rebuild, shock rebuild, all rubber lines replaced, header welded, and could use some painting/powder coating. I miss that thing a lot.

I'm pending divorce with a scorned ex going big with the legal representation though we have little in assets to squabble over. I have to get through that ordeal first. I really can't afford this car as is. I've been selling stuff I can live without regularly to be able to almost pay my bills.
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Pwnzor
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 03:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Rick, are you still in Cartersville?
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Rick_a
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 05:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yessir. I'm in that area.
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Pwnzor
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 07:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm in Sugar Hill. If you need to disappear some stuff until the divorce blows over just let me know.
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Rick_a
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 09:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Meh. I left her with everything but my bikes (both now useless and worthless), my tools, my phone, a handful of guns, and my Hot Wheels collection. She's just making things difficult.

She had told me that it wasn't fair that I was leaving her with all my junk if I died after a motorcycle accident two years ago. At least that's no longer a concern.
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86129squids
Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2019 - 01:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hey buddy- in all seriousness, an open parking lot, full lock on the steering one way, reverse, and GAS. Won't hurt a thing but a bit of tire tread, and you'll have a decent dose of shits and giggles. Highly recommended, I like FWD donuts better than traditional RWD.

When life gets you down, there are lots of easy ways to change things up. ; )
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Rick_a
Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2019 - 02:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I used to do burnouts, donuts, and practice J turns back in the day...with rental cars. With my own I'm a little better.

In all seriousness, my life is better than it's ever been...one just can't let the little things get them down.

I put a pleather wrap-on steering wheel cover on today. The outer edges of the steering wheel were ate up...which annoyed me tremendously. Also installed a K&N air filter. Supposed to be good for a couple horse and a MPG or so.

Supposedly a mild set of springs, lighter wheels, and a decent set of tires really livens these things up.

With the ex's the suspension got dropped a little too much. It was a harsh, scrapey ride, the tires didn't last as long as they should, and the wrong brand of tire would rub.

(Message edited by Rick_a on December 12, 2019)
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Crusty
Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2019 - 02:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm trying to sort out your complaint. Your bikes have blown engines, so you bought a car.

When my bike blew its engine, I bought a used engine from a boneyard. I just looked on FleaBay and there are several Suzuki 650 engines for under a grand.

How much did the tuna can cost? I bet you could have bought engines for both bikes for that price.

I mean; if you want a car, that's fine. Some of my best friends drive cars. But just be straight and up front about it. If you prefer the secure comfort of a metal box to the exhilarating rush of feeling the wind, you're not alone in this world. There are lots of people who feel the same way.

And you can do many things in your car while it's listlessly droning along. You and listen to news radio, talk on your cell phone, discuss fat squirrels or Hawaiian Interstates.

I hope you get tons of joy from your new purchase.
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Pwnzor
Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2019 - 02:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I enjoy the shit out of my car.

I make excuses just to drive it around.

Rick, have you checked out fitfreak.net?
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86129squids
Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2019 - 04:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Crusticle...

Hey Rick, just phleeeze DON'T put one of those punk-ass coffee can exhausts on it, for the love of God. Wonder if they make a whale-tail for it?
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Blake
Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2019 - 06:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

How's your boy doing?

I'd give away everything I have and then some to have a boy of my own.

Do whatever it takes to stay nearby. So sorry to hear of your divorce.
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Rick_a
Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2019 - 08:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

I'm trying to sort out your complaint.



I like riding bikes. Driving makes me anxious and is a chore. That's the basic gist of it. And also I'm broke.


quote:

Rick, have you checked out fitfreak.net?



I've been on there before. Will be back there again.


quote:

Hey Rick, just phleeeze DON'T put one of those punk-ass coffee can exhausts on it, for the love of God. Wonder if they make a whale-tail for it?



Naww. There's enough engine noise in the cabin as-is.

Whale-tail? One ah deez?

I don't think the car needs anymore drag
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Tootal
Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2019 - 09:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJLbR9TEMD8
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Rick_a
Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2019 - 09:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

How's your boy doing?

I'd give away everything I have and then some to have a boy of my own.

Do whatever it takes to stay nearby. So sorry to hear of your divorce.



He's as well as can be. It's a bit tough for everyone involved, but I think we can make the most of it.

The ex always said she'd move from FL to GA one day. We'll see if that holds true.

Oh, and don't be sorry. Telling her I was leaving was an incredible relief. It's the aftermath that's the real bitch...but you can't really put a price on happiness...though technically, for me...it's about $4500 so far
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Rick_a
Posted on Saturday, December 14, 2019 - 11:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

So I've tried to take off in 3rd gear a couple times, tried to drive off with the parking brake on, forgot to use the parking brake once, forgot to use the clutch for reverse a couple times, and stalled it coming to a stop a couple times. I think I've got it all out of the way.
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Hybridmomentspass
Posted on Saturday, December 14, 2019 - 12:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Lots of manual Fits, I test drove two at the same dealer in the same day.
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Rick_a
Posted on Saturday, December 14, 2019 - 03:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

Lots of manual Fits, I test drove two at the same dealer in the same day.



That is certainly not the norm.
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Rick_a
Posted on Saturday, December 14, 2019 - 04:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

On Auto Trader there's currently 307 across the country of all years new and used, and eleven used in a fifty mile radius.

At the time of purchase I had the criteria of 2009 or later, within fifty miles radius, manual transmission, under 70,000 miles, and under 10,000 dollars. There was only one.

When we purchased the ex's there was only one at the local dealership. The dealership here has none.
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Crusty
Posted on Saturday, December 14, 2019 - 05:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You know; I would probably even have a car driver over for dinner.
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